Introduction to Statistical Thought

Book excerpt: This free PDF textbook is intended as an upper level undergraduate or introductory graduate textbook in statistical thinking. It is best suited to students with a good knowledge of calculus and the ability to think abstractly. The focus of the text is the ideas that statisticians care about as opposed to technical details of how to put those ideas into practice. Another unusual aspect is the use of statistical software as a pedagogical tool. That is, instead of viewing the computer merely as a convenient and accurate calculating device, the book uses computer calculation and simulation as another way of explaining and helping readers understand the underlying concepts. The book is written with the statistical language R embedded throughout. R software and accompanying manuals are available for free download from http: //www.r-project.or